The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed Kwara United a record sanction, deducting three points and three goals. The league also imposed a ₦9 million fine, following the violent attack on match officials and Rivers United personnel after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw in Ilorin.
The league has also banished the Ilorin-based club to the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta for the remainder of the season. This effectively strips them of home advantage. Kwara United has 48 hours to appeal the decision.
Chaos erupted at the Kwara State Stadium after Boluwaji Sholumade scored a 93rd-minute equaliser for Rivers United. Home fans, aggrieved by the late goal, invaded the pitch and attacked match officials. The violence left Okey Kpalukwu, the NPFL Chairman of Chairmen and Rivers United General Manager, bloodied and injured.
Supporters held match officials and Rivers United delegation members hostage inside the stadium dressing room for several hours after the game. The league described the incident as bringing the game into disrepute.
The punishment announced
The NPFL’s disciplinary committee found Kwara United guilty of multiple infractions, including failure to provide adequate security and failure to control supporters. In addition, unauthorized persons gained access to restricted areas, leading to the assault on officials.
The ₦9 million fine includes ₦2 million for inadequate security, ₦2 million for the assault on officials, and ₦2 million in compensation for medical treatment and damages. The club must also pay ₦1 million each for failing to control its supporters, unsporting conduct, and holding officials hostage.
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The three-point and three-goal deduction directly targets the club’s sporting record for the assault on match officials. The sanction damages Kwara United’s league standing in the closing stages of the season.
The incident adds Kwara United to a growing list of NPFL clubs punished for crowd misconduct this season. Remo Stars, Wikki Tourists, and Kano Pillars have all received varying sanctions ranging from fines to stadium bans.
The MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, which will now host Kwara United’s home matches, is already serving as the adopted home ground for Remo Stars this season.
